Owner Darryl Baldwin, who is in hospice care battling cancer, said he'd hoped to leave the bar and grill to his employees through a shared ownership program but decided it probably wasn't feasible. Selling the business is "plan B," he said Tuesday.

The business and property at 714 Bay St. are listed together at $1.05 million. The MoonDogs business can be purchased separately for $525,000, according to a listing on the Commercial Brokers Association website. The assessed value of 0.08-acre property and 4,520-square-foot building is $257,000.

Baldwin said a buyer would be taking over a profitable business, with potential to increase revenue with improvements.

MoonDogs opened in the early 1900s as the Port Orchard Pool Hall and remained a favorite South Kitsap hangout over the following century.

Baldwin took over the business in 2007. MoonDogs blossomed under his watch, becoming a popular breakfast spot for early birds, a family-friendly restaurant by day and a lively sports bar at night. Baldwin shared his success as a supporter of Port Orchard causes.

The community rallied around Baldwin in the past year when his skin cancer metasticized and his health declined. A celebration held in his honor in January drew supporters from every corner of town.

Girlfriend Sheila Cline and employee David Jones will assume ownership of MoonDogs if the business doesn't sell before Baldwin passes. Baldwin said he researched creating an employee ownership arrangement. He decided MoonDogs, with a full-time staff of 10, was too small to make it work.

Four key employees have entered into a profit-sharing program, he said. They also have the first option to buy the business. Baldwin said he knows the staff will keep MoonDogs thriving.

"I have no concern about the business being left in their hands," he said.

As for his own future, Baldwin said he's at peace.

"It's the culmination of a successful journey," he said. "I have no regrets."